The Hybrid SUV: A Guilt-Free Alternative To Traditional SUVs

Recently, hybrid autos are becoming ever more popular for a variety of reasons. Among even the most hardened skeptics, hybrid vehicles have been attaining traction in their appeal. When many people think about hybrid cars, they may picture the oddly-shaped Honda Insight hybrid from the late 1990s, with its real wheels covered by over sized fenders, or maybe the popular Toyota Prius.

Lately, however, many auto manufacturers have been producing hybrid SUVs as a substitute to the gas-guzzling standard SUVs that formerly dominated the market. To a degree, this shift toward the hybrid SUV was in response to decreasing large SUV and truck sales toward the end of the first decade of the 2000s; the declining economy and rising gas prices generated these kinds of vehicles too expensive to drive for many American families.

To fight this trend, manufacturers started production on more efficient SUVs. In 2004, the first SUV hybrid (the Ford Escape) was released, as were the first hybrid trucks (the Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram). The guiding principles behind hybrids are to attain the highest gas mileage possible and to have the smallest ecological impact via fuel efficiency and low emissions.

By now, manufacturers have practically mastered the ability to make vehicles with greater efficiency while maintaining the power and performance of the old gas-guzzling SUVs. Hybrid SUVs work by mixing an electric motor with the regular internal combustion engine. The electric motor runs off a big battery that is recharged whenever the car coasts or brakes. The electric motor is responsible for powering the vehicle during stop-and-start travel and also acceleration to highway speeds.

The electric motor also operates accessories that would typically run off gasoline, such as the A/C compressor. The gas engine is used primarily for increased acceleration and greater speeds. The switch from electricity to gas is controlled by a sophisticated computer. The benefits of purchasing one of a hybrid SUV are many. For one, there are various tax incentives, such as a federal tax incentive and also state incentives that may vary from state to state.

As well, drivers will be comforted by the knowledge that they are driving in a more "green" vehicle, aiding to minimize carbon emissions that result in climate issues. In terms of toxic chemicals, hybrids are up to 97% lower emitters compared to standard cars, and half as bad in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Because of the hybrid nature of the car, mileage is much better. In the city, where stop-and-start driving and low speeds lead to heavier reliance on the battery, hybrids get greatly better mileage.

On the highway, wherein the vehicle leans more strongly on the gas tank, mileage is around 10% better. There are various incidental benefits which may interest the possible car buyer as well: the driving experience is no different - the car takes care of switching between gas and electricity; commutes are shortened, since hybrids are usually allowed in HOV lanes; the hybrid is a politically-correct talking point in social circumstances; and the novelty of owning one of the coolest 'gadgets'.

There are also disadvantages to hybrid SUVs, but they are few. For example, registration costs may be higher. Also, the vehicles are more expensive when it comes to the initial price tag. The complexity of the powertrain enhances the points at which a failure may happen, and increases repair costs. In terms of repairs, parts may be more difficult to acquire and more expensive also. Generally though, a hybrid is a money- and environment-saver in the long run.

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